Hey Ford guys, I spotted a 63 500 XL hidden behind some trees. Seems like it's been sitting at least 30 years. The trees are grown around it. It is not a fastback. So what would this thing have? It looks straight, I plan to try and go after it as soon.
So 500 XL doesn't mean it had a standard big block? I'll have to get under the hood. Hopefully the owner isn't too crazy. It's 'that house' -overgrown lawn, dead trees, dirty windows, etc.
Take a look at the Vin Look for R in the 6th position (I think) even if you dont buy it I know some folks who probably will. Dawg
It's one of te best body styles FOMOCO ever produced in the 60's! I love the "63 1/2" fastback!...really nice lines.
Didn't XL just refer to the trim level of the Galaxie? I always thought it did anyway. And like most 50's - 60's cars you could get a variety of engines at any trim level. My friend had a 64 with a 352.
If it is a 390 or 427 car it will have "birds" on the front fenders, down low behind the front wheel. 352 and smaller motors did not have birds. If the emblems aren't there, look for the holes in the fender. 427 cars did not have automatics. If you check the VIN, look at the 5th. digit in the code. R=427 with 2x4s,Q=427 with 1x4, P=390 330hp., Z=390 300hp.,X=352,C=289 I think. '63s are great cars. Lots of rest stuff available these days. Sounds like you'll get the standard "I'm gonna fix it up someday." answer from the owner, but good luck.
Oops sorry. 406 cars will also have "birds". They only built 406s to mid year when the 427 came out. Most 406s were square back, non fastback body style. They built very few 406 fastbacks. In fact it was supposedly not available but I have seen a couple. 427 and fastbacks were both mid year introduction known as 63 and halfs. Hope this helps. Let me know if you need anymore information.
if it has the FE in it it will run, they are great motors at least my last one was. The XL has no meaning as far as the engine.
Most I've seen have 352 or 390 FE motors. Great motors, but speed parts can be a little pricey and tougher to find than the Windsor motors. My '66 Galaxie 500XL was a factory 352 car that someone put a 390 in before I bought it. Shouldn't have sold that one...sigh...
The early 63's can be the notch back rather than the fast back. I've had fastbacks that were 6 cyl. but not xl's. I have a 63 buyers guide but it's buried in the closet. I would expect a v8 but could be from a 289 up.
see if the valve covers have "Thunderbird" embossed on them, unless someone replaced them it's the 390... right guys?
That pic is a 62. "Troublemaker" posted the correct codes...... We race a 63 1/2 Galaxie...not an XL...If it is a hardtop, box roof it is actually sorta rare. Most that survived were the fast backs. Hope to see ya out there sometime this year Joey......we will be in St. Louis for the Monster Mopar meet..all makes in NSS...a tribute to Dave Duell....weekend after Labor Day. Mark
ABSOLUTELY! Ford had a few really awesome designs, including anything from the 20s and 30s, for sure the '32, clearly the '56 F100, the original Mustang, and the 1963 Galaxie. I'm actually surprised more collectors don't go after those. I like most old cars, but something is just really right about the '63.
Had a 63 1/2 with a 390 and 3 dueces factory 4 speed car with bench seat. Traded the ex ol lady's Harley for it. The Harley was a 97' 1200 custom. Paid 7g for the bike, sold the Galaxy for 10g. The ex I'm still paying for. Wish I had the Galaxy back.
Thanks for the reminder. I'll try to get out there this weekend. I talked to the owner's brother. He said it's not for sale, but the owner is dying. He took my number, no word yet. It is a box roof. It has a 4-speed. Didn't get to the vin.
Learned to drive in my Dad's notchback 63. First time I tried to push the clutch in I was so nervous my foot wouldn't stop shaking. Red XL with black guts. Tri Power 406 4 speed, had the afore mentioned gold flags and came with 15" wheels/tires and it's own specific 406 only hubcaps that looked like chrome flat plates stacked up with a 3 bladed knockoff. I've recently read Ford used caps from a 57 Mercury and just added the knockoffs (the 406 required 15" wheels). If the car still has the original wheels and caps, aside from the flags this would be the only indicator of a 406 externally.
I'm over in England, I run a 460/C6 powered 63 500XL. It used to have a 390 in it, but that bit the dust chasing a freinds Mopar powered 27T. Mines an early one, with the boxtop rather than the fastback. I kind of prefer the boxtop lines, it looks like the roofline on the 63 TBird. Crites Restorations supplied the kit to fit the 460/C6 combo, it worked well. The trans tunnel needed hacking about some, but other than that, it was an easy job. Gas over here is nearly £4.00 a gallon, thats about $9.00!!!!! Running a big block hurts!
wow!, to hear all these great stories about the 63 galaxie, it makes me even more excited and anxious to get mine on the road. i thought it was just a car that this girl happened to like...go figure?!